IU Health Will Launch Drive-Thru Testing Site Next Week

By
Ethan Burks

Posted March 27, 2020

Shockney says the current tent outside the hospital will stay put and be used to test patients as well.
(George Hale, WFIU/WTIU News)

IU Health will open a new drive-thru testing site at its Landmark Avenue location sometime next week for people with coronavirus-like symptoms.

"As we see more and more people coming forward, we think this new site will help us provide screenings for more people," IU Health South Central Region President Brian Shockney says.

Shockney says the process for testing will stay the same for the most part. People experiencing symptoms will go through an online evaluation on IU Health's Virtual Visit app, and then if it's determined they need testing, the new drive-thru site will be available.

"Everyday we're looking at what the potential situation could be based what others are saying in other communities our size," Shockney says.

Shockney says the Bloomington hospital currently has 272 beds with the ability to expand within the building.

"We have backup plans for external sites as well. We won't disclose where those are, but we will always expand within our hospital first," Shockney says.

Shockney also says because of IU Health's expanded system, they could utilize space in other area hospitals in Bedford, Paoli and Morgan County, if needed.

"Based on our projections we believe we have what we need to be able to take care of people at this time," Shockney says.

Shockney says an announcement will be made next week on the drive-thru site on Landmark Avenue.